Preparations are indeed underway to convert a donated Qatari Boeing 747-8 jet into Air Force One for use by President Donald Trump, with official agreements and work in progress.
Preparations are underway to turn a donated Qatari Boeing jet into Air Force One.

Qatari plane that could be new Air Force One will be ‘unconditional’ gift to the Pentagon, agreement says - CNN Politics
Source: cnn.com
Key Evidence
Signed agreements confirm Qatar's unconditional donation of the Boeing 747-8 jet to the Pentagon. The U.S. Air Force has accepted the plane and begun preparations for its conversion into Air Force One, with work expected to be completed by late 2026 or later.
What the Evidence Shows
The claim that preparations are underway to turn a donated Qatari Boeing jet into Air Force One is supported by multiple credible sources from mid-2025. The Qatari royal family has unconditionally donated a Boeing 747-8 to the U.S. Pentagon, confirmed by signed agreements between Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Qatari officials.cbsnews.comcbsnews.comPreparations under way for Qatari jet that will be used as Air Force One The U.S. Air Force has accepted the plane and is actively preparing to refit it for presidential use, with floor plans and schematics reviewed by senior officials.
foxnews.comfoxnews.comTrump accepts Qatar's Boeing 747 gift to be refitted as new Air Force One
The conversion is expected to cost under $400 million and take less than a year, aiming for readiness by late 2026 or later.cnn.comcnn.comQatari plane that could be new Air Force One will be ‘unconditional’ gift to the... While the original Air Force One contract with Boeing for new planes faces delays until 2029 or beyond, this donated jet offers a nearer-term alternative.
newsweek.comnewsweek.comPentagon Accepts Qatar's Jet Gift, Set to Become Donald Trump's New Air Force... President Trump publicly accepted the gift and defended the plan to use the Qatari jet as Air Force One.
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Although significant modifications are required, the preparation phase is clearly underway as of mid-2025. There is no credible evidence contradicting the claim that preparations have started; rather, multiple independent news outlets confirm it.